Jailed for life: How each of Hannah Cornelius’ killers were sentenced

The killers of Hannah Cornelius have been sentenced to life imprisonment, following the murder and rape of the Stellies student.

The three defendants who were found guilty of raping and murdering 21-year-old Hannah Cornelius in May 2017 will all spend a life sentence behind bars.

The Western Cape High Court has concluded an 18-month ordeal for the family, who have been able to see justice served for the former Stellenbosch student. Eben van Niekerk, Geraldo Parsons and Vernon Witbooi will begin their new lives behind bars effective immediately.

Hannah Cornelius trial: Three men sent down for life

BREAKING: 3 men convicted of the rape & murder of Stellenbosch student #HannahCornelius sentenced to life for both crimes. LI

Judge Reshine Allie handed down the sentences on Monday afternoon. Her verdict drew cheers from the gallery, as the murderers were lead from the court. Allie stated that none of the accused showed any remorse for Hannah, which played a key role in her decision.

“None of the accused has proved circumstances extenuating enough for her to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence. The Cornelius family has been torn apart, while Marsh suffered extreme trauma and couldn’t study further. None of the accused show true remorse”

Cheslin Marsh watches his attackers get sent down

Hannah’s friend, Cheslin Marsh, was with her on that fateful night. He suffered terrible head injuries after he was violently assaulted by the gang.

He managed to escape their clutches before finding help. He was deafened in one ear but turned up to court today with a newly-donated hearing aid. Needless to say, he’d have enjoyed what he heard.

A fourth member of the gang, Nashville Julius, was not convicted of murder, rape or assault. He was, however, involved with the kidnapping of the pair and a subsequent robbery.

Hannah Cornelius killers: Sentencing breakdown

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 08: Murder accused, from left to right, Vernon Witbooi, Geraldo Parsons Eben van Niekerk, and Nashwill Julies during their first appearance at Western Cape High Court for the rape and murder of Stellenbosch University student Hannah Cornelius on October 08, 2018 in Cape Town, South Africa. The group faces a string of charges including, murder, aggravated robbery, kidnapping and rape of Hannah Cornelius and assault of her friend Cheslin Marsh, whom they left for dead on May 27, 2017. (Photo by Gallo Images / Brenton Geach)